LGBT+ Book Recommendations by Queer Authors
Happy Pride Month! In the upsurge of queer literature in the recent years, I feel it is important to not only to highlight the art, but also the artist. Reading books like Red, White & Royal Blue and the Carry On series is all good, but there are so many books written by queer authors that could use your support, whether you read YA (Young Adult) or NA (New Adult). I am a demisexual author who goes by she/they pronouns and writes book mainly about queer men, but to the world, I appear to be in a heterosexual relationship. I often feel weird claiming to be part of the queer community for “not being queer enough”, but I have to remind myself everyone’s path looks different and it takes time to discover how you want to express yourself. So, to all those still in the closet or doubting your sexuality or struggling choosing labels, it is okay. You are valid, you owe no one an explanation for how you chose to express yourself. Take your time. Now for the book recs! Note: these are mostly MM romance as that is what I usually read, but please leave your suggestions in the comments.
F.T. Lukens, author of In Deeper Waters, So This is Happily Ever After, & Spell Bound
These YA are full of cool magic systems, lovable and funny characters, and are quick easy reads. Lukens also just announced their 2024 release, which is a paranormal romance. My favorite so far is In Deeper Waters because of the magic system and the hilarious cast of characters. Spell Bound was on my ‘Most Anticipated Reads’ list though I still have yet to get to it.
Kellen Graves, author of Prince of Sorrows, Lord of Silver Ashes, & The Fox and the Dryad
Though all their books take part in the same world, the first two books are part of the main Rowan Blood series, while the last is a standalone that takes place far in the future. I have only read Prince of Sorrows though I have started The Fox and the Dryad. The author has created this beautiful world for all fans of fae books like The Folk of the Air series (though this one is New Adult). There are eight books planned in total for the Rowan Blood series and I know the author has also mention a couple new standalones coming in the next few years.
C.S. Pacat, author of Captive Prince trilogy, Dark Rise series, & the Fence comics (though the books are written by Sarah Rees Brennan)
If you like chaotic bisexual MCs, you get one in every one of Pacat’s books. I will keep reading her books for the rest of my life and am dying waiting for the next Dark Rise book. The cliffhanger had me screaming! Her books are New Adult(NA) high fantasy, but the Fence books and comics are YA sports contemporary.
Ben Alderson, author of the Darkmourn series, Realm of the Fey series, the Dragori series, & Heir of Thorn and Flame
I have only read the first two Darkmourn books, but they are a great start. I am excited to continue the series as well as catch up on his other NA series. They are character focused, angsty, and spicy as hell. I can only imagine his YA books are just as good.
Sebastian Nothwell, author of Mr. Warren’s Profession, Hold Fast, The Haunting of Heatherhurst Hall, Throw His Heart Over, Oak King Holly King, & Tales from Blackthorn Briar
If you follow me anywhere, you will have heard me rave about this man. Oak King Holly King remains my favorite book of all time and I got to beta read its sequel. I also am currently beta reading his newest book (title unknown) and it has everything I love about his books: character driven; poetic and captivatingly described settings; and intense, emotional spice. His just keeps getting better and better.
Fae Quin, author of Bite Me (You Know I Like It), Possess Me (I Want You To), There’s a Monster in the Woods, Let Your Hearts Be Light, & The Devil Takes
I could not leave out this beautiful human who’s writing is so heartwarming, funny, beautiful and gloriously smutty. Let Your Hearts Be Light is probably the cutest book you will ever read. You can read There’s a Monster in the Woods for free by signing up to her newsletter. I highly recommend following her on Instagram (@fae.loves.art) because along with being a talented writer, she is also an incredible artist who draws her own covers as well as creates adorable stickers of her characters.
If you want to support another queer author, my debut novel, Sky Heart, is available for pre-order in both ebook and paperback and will be released on August 30th, 2023.